Mindful Eating

Most people think that the key to weight-loss is both complicated and elusive. That once you find the "magic fix" it will be easy. The truth is, the fix is simple, but difficult. It requires commitment, discipline, and an ability to be comfortable and in tune with your own body. We live in a world that promotes the opposite: quick fixes, ultimate comfort, and no time or space for introspection or change. Here are a few of the things we discussed tonight on the importance of shifting our thinking to be more mindful and intentional.

1. We must learn to enjoy all aspects of food again. We need to create memorable experiences surrounding the process of preparing, cooking, eating, and enjoying our food. When we find joy in food, we take away the shame surrounding food. And when we take away the shame, we empower ourselves to make the decisions that serve us best.

2. Mindful eating means recognizing and appreciating the experiences we are currently having, not worrying about past influences or future consequences. When we do this, we clear the clutter and can focus only on how this experience is affecting us in the here and now. Ironically, that clears the space to make healthier decisions moving forward.

3. When we practice these skills, we learn to self-regulate our hunger and our satiety based on our body's physiological cues, not our emotionally driven cues.

Mindfulness is a stepping stone

to improved physical, mental, and emotional well-being, and is a key component to successfully managing our weight and long-term health. To learn more or sign up for our full lifestyle education series, contact me at emily@shillmed.com